Meet Liz Ross, Ph.D. | Clinical Psychologist and Practice Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Liz Ross, Ph.D. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Liz, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My decision to start my own practice was driven by a desire to provide high-quality, evidence-based care in a way that felt both intentional and patient-centered. In larger systems, I often saw limitations around time, flexibility, and the ability to tailor treatment to each individual, and I wanted to create something different.

I also wanted to build a clinic where clients could receive comprehensive care in one place. Mental health is rarely one-dimensional, and I saw a real need for a setting where someone could access individual therapy, couples or family therapy, psychological assessment, and group-based services in a coordinated and thoughtful way.

Over time, what started as a desire for autonomy evolved into something much bigger. I became passionate about building a team of clinicians who share those same values and creating a practice culture centered on clinical excellence, collaboration, and compassion. For me, it’s not just about delivering good care. It’s about creating an environment where both clients and clinicians can do their best work.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
It definitely wasn’t easy. When I first started in private practice, I signed a three-year lease just a few months before COVID hit. Like many people, I had to quickly pivot and figure out how to continue providing care in a completely different environment. Not long after that, I expanded and doubled my office space right as private equity began to take a much larger share of the mental health market. There were many moments when things felt uncertain, and I had to make decisions without all the answers.

What kept me grounded through it all was a strong belief in the quality of care we were providing. I’ve always been committed to building a practice that is both compassionate and research-informed, and I trusted that if we stayed focused on doing good work, the rest would follow.

Over time, I realized that growth in this field isn’t just about marketing or visibility. It’s really about relationships. By nurturing connections with other providers, staying engaged in the community, and most importantly, providing care that truly helps people, we’ve been able to grow in a meaningful and sustainable way. Many of our clients come to us through word of mouth, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

What sets our practice apart is that we offer comprehensive, high-quality care all in one place. We provide individual, couples, and family therapy, as well as psychological testing and structured group programs. Our clinicians are trained in evidence-based treatments like CBT, DBT, ERP, and trauma-focused therapies, and we work hard to ensure that care is thoughtful, coordinated, and tailored to each person.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of staying adaptable while staying grounded in your values. The field is constantly evolving, and there are always external pressures, but I’ve learned to come back to what matters most—providing excellent care and building a team of clinicians who share that commitment.

If there’s one thing I’d want people to know about my work, it’s that this practice was built with intention. It’s not just about offering services. It’s about creating a space where people feel supported, where clinicians can do their best work, and where meaningful, lasting change can happen.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a hard question for me right now because I’m in a phase of life where most of my time is spent running between kids’ activities, but if I had a full week to show a friend the best of Houston, I would absolutely lean into what makes this city so unique.

We’d start in the Museum District—probably a morning at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston or Houston Museum of Natural Science—and then walk through Hermann Park or stop by the McGovern Centennial Gardens.

Food would be a huge part of the week. Tiny Boxwoods is always a go-to for me, but what really makes Houston special is its diverse cuisine. You can enjoy incredible meals from so many different cultures without ever leaving the city, which not every place can offer.

We’d spend time outdoors too—Memorial Park for a walk or bike ride, and probably explore areas like The Heights or Rice Village.

And in true Texas fashion, football is my favorite sport, so I would absolutely want to catch a Houston Texans game if the timing worked. Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, the energy is incredible—our fans are enthusiastic but also genuinely welcoming and friendly, which really reflects the culture of the city.

At the end of the day, what really makes Houston special isn’t just the places—it’s the people. There’s a warmth, diversity, and openness here that you don’t find everywhere, and that’s what I’d most want someone to walk away with.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a supportive and collaborative mental health community here in Houston. Starting and growing a practice can feel isolating at times, but I’ve been surrounded by colleagues who are generous with their time, knowledge, and encouragement.

I especially want to recognize Leah Clionsky, Ph.D., owner of PCIT Experts and Thriving Child Center; Ivy Ruths, Ph.D., owner of Houston Anxiety and Wellness; Laura Spiller, Ph.D., owner of Heights Couples Counseling and Pratisage; Daniel Katz, Psy.D., owner of Houston Therapy; Alejandra “Ally” Sequeira, Ph.D., founder of Houston OCD & Anxiety; Melanie Gregg, Ph.D., LSSP, founder of B Well Counseling; and Karrie Hilliard, Ph.D., founder of Sprouting Psychology.

Each of them has been incredibly supportive in different ways, and I’ve learned so much from watching how they lead their practices and show up for their clients.

More broadly, I think what’s really special about this field is the sense of community. There are so many clinicians and practice owners who are willing to collaborate, share resources, and genuinely root for each other’s success. That kind of environment makes a huge difference, and it’s something I don’t take for granted.

Website: https://copingresourcecenter.com/

Instagram: @copingresourcecenter

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-coping-resource-center/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565423799930

Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565423799930

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CopingResourceCenter

Image Credits
Quy Tran